From the President
I don’t know about you… but I am exhausted. The frantic pace and nonstop hustle of the past few months is wearing me down. This week I heard the phrase “Caution Fatigue” and I know that is compounding my weariness. Having to remain constantly vigilant about the ACCD travel guidelines, educating the public, and adhering to best practices in our own daily lives has taken a toll emotionally, physically and spiritually.
My wedding anniversary and birthday were last week, and to celebrate we dined at The Publyk House for the first time since the shutdown in March. Something as simple as dinner with my husband – which we used to do weekly – felt like a huge decision for personal safety. I share this to reveal that I too am struggling, and hope that my candor is perceived as comforting, rather than cause for concern. When I get near the end of my rope (as I am feeling in this moment) I must dig deep and find the courage to step back from my never-ending TO DO LIST and prioritize self-care and down time, which is a rare commodity these days.
A welcome sound in my house this week was NFL football. Even without fans in the stadium, it was a hint of normalcy. Another seasonal favorite, I visited a farm stand for fresh apple cider donuts – the best I’ve ever had! With parents getting kids in back to school routines, whether in person, hybrid or full homeschool, I admire you all for tackling this additional challenge and doing your best to juggle your work and home lives.
|
|
Speaking of education, I was thrilled to read VAR’s latest newsletter which was loaded with new Continuing Education classes. I’ve signed up for a couple… if you haven’t already, please consider taking advantage of these great offerings. You can view the newsletter on the right, or visit the VAR website for a full listing of upcoming classes, many of which are being offered via Zoom. |
|
|
SCVBR’s Executive Board is seeking 2021 Leadership and Committee members. If you are interested in any of these positions, please contact me or anyone on the Board for more info:
Vice President | At-Large | Membership | Education | NEREN | Government Affairs |
Publicity | Community Outreach
Though Realtors® have never been deemed “essential” in Vermont, I want you all to know how essential you are to me and my overall happiness. The camaraderie, support, and kindness you show to each other is awe-inspiring. Keep being incredible ambassadors for Vermont and making our brave little state proud!
Yours in service,
Jenifer
|
|
 |
SCVBR Contacts
(802) 229-0513
President
President-Elect
Treasurer
Secretary
Immediate Past President
Members at Large
NEREN Director/Shareholder
NEREN Alternate
COMMITTEES
Membership
Education
Government Affairs
Community Outreach
Public Relations
|
|
|
|
September is Realtor® Safety Month
2020 has redefined Realtor® safety. The SCVBR Community Affairs Committee would like to share some amazing resources offered on a national, state, and local level.
NAR's Realtor® Safety Program offers many complimentary and discounted courses. As a bonus, you can earn continuing education credits!
|
Safety Apps, Products and More
From planning your safety strategy to extensive safety resources including apps, products, and educators, NAR has many useful items for all real estate professionals including regularly-scheduled safety webinars, numerous articles organized by category, videos, and a safety alert program.
|
Realtor® Safety Report
How often do Realtors® feel unsafe? How many Realtors® have been the victim of a crime while working as a real estate professional? This, and other data, has been compiled in NAR's 2020 Member Safety Report.
|
Quick Realtor® Safety Tips
• Meet new clients in public
• Don’t wear expensive jewelry
• Let your office know where you are
• Bring a buddy to a showing
• Use safety technology
|
|
|
|
Vermont Real Estate Market
Spring and summer are usually busy for real estate agents. And most of us have been even busier than usual. Why is the coronavirus pandemic increasing sales?
Real estate agents all over Vermont say there aren't enough houses to keep up with the abnormally high demand. Interest rates are low for buyers and out of staters are fleeing pandemic hot zones for Vermont after being given the green light to work remotely for the foreseeable future or permanently.
"As soon as we reopened again for real estate, it just seemed as if the flood gates had opened and buyers were just at an all-time high." We have heard, "as soon as a property comes on, I'm always quick to get in there to show them and we'll write an offer up and then next thing you know, there's four or five other offers on the table."
As a result, many buyers are paying over asking price and taking big chances. "People are buying houses without even seeing them. The attorneys are swamped with closing business, and closings are happening online with visitations to law offices limited and prohibited.”
The cost of goods and services in the area have risen sharply. We are experiencing this in the purchase of lumber, building materials, maintenance and cleaning personnel, supplies associated with food, household needs, even greeting cards have risen sharply due to supply chain issues and increased demand – both associated with COVID. The influx of people, visitors, vacation homeowners staying full time have put a stress on the community because existing services cannot keep up.
|
|
DON'T FORGET: Wear a Mask!
As of August 1, 2020, face masks are required in Vermont public spaces, and any time it is not possible to maintain a 6-foot distance from others who are not part of your household. For information on proper use of a face mask, click here. #MasksonVT |
|
Komen More Than Pink Walk
Just six weeks until the 2020 Komen Vermont Virtual MORE THAN PINK Walk. The Vermont Walk will be going fully VIRTUAL. While the pandemic has cancelled many important moments in our lives, our mission to end breast cancer is not cancelled, and neither is our Vermont MORE THAN PINK Walk™! All registration fees paid prior to June 30 will be allocated to each participant's fundraising.
The women and men facing breast cancer need our support now, as much as ever. Whether in the form of emotional support via our helpline, financial support through our treatment assistance program, or help navigating their care journey, we must be there for them. Help in whatever ways you are able!
Please join us in our 2nd year participating as a SCVBR team. We have already raised $176 of our $1000 goal. Please click the button below to join us or make a donation. It is important to remember that 75% of net funds raised at MORE THAN PINK Walk are used to support local service organizations in Vermont and New Hampshire providing assistance to underinsured and uninsured women and men, as well as supporting breast cancer screening and education. The remaining 25% of net funds raised support Komen's national research program.
|
|
Habitat for Humanity
Update from Habitat for Humanity Shires ReSale Store - New Homeowners in the area have been driving over to The Shires Resale Store to donate furniture and accessories from homes that they purchase. Although the donations are welcome, the store manager has asked for advance notice. “If some of the customers want to give us items please give us at least 2-3 weeks notice. We are having people call us on Thursday and want us to pick up Saturday or Sunday of that week. We work with all volunteers so I have to be careful what we pick-up and who has been in the house.” ~ Sue Congdon
|
|
COOKING CLASS
Most of us are busy cooking meals at home instead of dining out. We wanted to share a recipe favorite from our kitchen to yours!
Corn Cakes with Bacon and Turmeric Yogurt
Serve these sweet-savory cakes as a hearty side dish (they would be great with grilled shrimp) or as a lighter entrée with a side salad. Or turn them into an appetizer by making smaller cakes. Be sure to sauté the corn and squash just until barely al dente; you want to take away the raw flavor but also preserve their crunch. The batter will seem loose as it goes into the skillet, but it will firm up as the cakes cook.
INGREDIENTS
|
|
- 2 center-cut bacon slices
- chopped 2 3/4 cups fresh corn kernels (about 4 ears)
- 1 1/4 cups finely chopped yellow squash
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (white parts only)
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
|
|
- 1/4 cup plain yellow cornmeal
- 3/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 3/8 teaspoon kosher salt,
- divided 1/4 cup plain low-fat yogurt (not Greek-style)
- 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
|
|
INSTRUCTIONS
- Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium. Add bacon; cook, stirring often, until crisp, about 8 minutes. Drain on paper towels; reserve drippings in skillet.
- Increase heat to medium-high. Add corn and squash to drippings; cook until lightly charred and al dente, about 2 minutes. Transfer to a large bowl; cool 10 minutes. Add onions, eggs, cornmeal, pepper, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and cooked bacon to corn mixture; stir to combine. Let mixture stand 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir together yogurt, maple syrup, turmeric, and remaining 1/8 teaspoon salt in a small bowl. Set aside.
- Heat skillet over medium. Drop batter by 1/4-cupfuls into skillet, flatten slightly with a spatula, and cook until firm and browned on each side, about 2 minutes per side. Serve with turmeric-yogurt mixture.
Recipe source: Cooking Light
|
|
Thank You!
Thank you for reading our monthly SCVBR Community Affairs Newsletter! We value your input and are open to your suggestions. Please let us know if there is a Community Affairs topic you would like us to spread the word about. If you have an event you would like to submit for consideration on our Incomplete Calendar of Charitable Community Events, please email us by the 15th of the month.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
